Championship Fixtures: Weekend Preview

By Jemma Tappenden
March 14 2007

Things are certainly hotting up in the Championship. In fact, in terms of predictability this years Championship is probably more exciting than that of the Premiership. Lets have a look at the fixtures that are likely to effect the Championship table this weekend.

It is an interesting weekend of football for the Championship. With the division as tight at the bottom as it is at the top, this weekend’s results are sure to alter the look of the table yet again, as time runs out in the fight for survival or promotion.

West Bromwich Albion entertain Sunderland at the Hawthorns. Baggies currently occupy 2nd spot, 1point off leaders Birmingham, and boasting the best goal difference in the division. But Sunderland in their recent run of form are unlikely to come to the Hawthorns with any fear. Boss Roy Keane beat of competition this week from fellow Championship managers Mick McCarthy, Tony Mowbray and Rob Kelly to take Manager of the month award for February. The Black Cats recorded 4 wins and a draw that month, taking three points off Southend, Plymouth, Coventry and Derby – who had occupied top spot at the time. Sunderland also took a point from fellow promotion contenders Birmingham City.

Wolves visit Luton at Kenilworth Road, searching for a straight 5th league victory. The recent run of form which included victories over Ipswich, Plymouth, Burnley and Leeds has seen Wolves remain in only 8th place, but only 5 points of division leaders Birmingham City. Wolves could have risen as high as 5th, but a poor goal difference of only plus 3 has prevented that.

Other weekend fixtures which could see changes at the top of the Championship include:
Derby v Colchester (tonight – 7.45pm KO)
Birmingham v Cardiff (Sunday)